about FDT Law

The roots of FDT Law can be traced back to the early 1900s, when Bill Hewson Sr. established a law office in Penetanguishene, creating a foundation of legal service that would continue for generations in the Simcoe and Georgian Bay region.

After practising alongside his father following the First World War, Bill Hewson Jr., Q.C. assumed full responsibility for the Penetanguishene practice, carrying on the Hewson family’s commitment to trusted, community-based legal representation.

A new chapter began when Fred E. Horton, Q.C. started practising law in Midland with Edward Kendall, expanding the firm’s influence into a second local community and building the groundwork for future growth.

Building on his early experience, Fred Horton opened his own independent practice in Midland, formally establishing the Midland branch of the firm and broadening its reach across the region.

To strengthen the firm’s presence, Fred Horton took over the Hewson practice in Penetanguishene, creating a unified presence across both Midland and Penetanguishene and ensuring that the Hewson legacy lived on through new leadership.

The practice expanded further when Bob MacKinnon joined Fred Horton to form Horton, Hewson & MacKinnon, while that same year Paul DeVillers launched his own practice in Penetanguishene, adding new legal expertise to the local community.

Peter Deacon, who had articled with the firm just a year earlier, became an associate lawyer, beginning a long and impactful career that would eventually see his name become part of the firm’s identity.

After running his own successful practice, William P. Taws joined the firm upon the retirement of Drummond Peet, and the practice was renamed MacKinnon, DeVillers, Deacon & Taws, reflecting the continued evolution of its leadership team.

Meanwhile, in a parallel path of growth, Rod Ferguson founded Ferguson Barristers LLP, a personal injury and civil litigation firm that earned a reputation for fairness, integrity, and strong advocacy on behalf of its clients throughout Ontario.

To streamline operations and better serve clients, Deacon Taws consolidated its Midland and Penetanguishene practices into one office on Elizabeth Street in Midland, establishing a central hub while continuing to serve clients across the wider Georgian Bay region.

In a landmark development, Ferguson Barristers LLP and Deacon Taws officially merged on January 1, 2018, forming Ferguson Deacon Taws LLP (FDT Law). The new firm, led by partners Lisa D. Belcourt, Mark Baker, Michael D. Laplante, and Patrick Sloan, combined decades of expertise to expand legal services while staying true to its tradition of personalized, community-focused client care.